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SOUTH  AMERICA. 


QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS 

FOR  ' 


Mission  Circles  and  Bands. 


BY 


MISSIONARIES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN 
BOARD. 


PRICE,  FIVE  CENTS. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

WOMAN’S  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 

No.  1334  Chestnut  Street. 

1894. 


SOUTH  AMERICA 


QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS 

FOR 


Mission  Circles  and  Bands. 


BY 


MISSIONARIES  OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN 
BOARD. 


PRICE,  FIVE  CENTS. 


PHILADELPHIA : 

WOMAN’S  FOREIGN  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY 
OF  THE  PRESBYTERIAN  CHURCH, 

No.  1314  Chestnut  Street. 

1894. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/southamericaquesOOwoma 


SOITH  AMERICA. 


QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS 

FOR 

MISSION  CIRCLES  AND  BANDS. 


1.  Wliat  countries  of  South  America  are  occu- 
pied by  Presbyterian  Missions  ? 

The  United  States  of  Colombia,  Brazil  and 
Chile  ; only  three  of  the  fourteen  States  which 
compose  South  America. 

2.  What  is  the  religion  of  these  countries  ? 

The  Roman  Catholic  religion. 

3.  How  did  they  become  Roman  Catholic  ? 
Christopher  Columbus  took  possession  of  South 

America  in  1498,  in  the  name  of  Spain  and  the 
Pope. 

4.  Are  they  not  then  Christian  countries  ? 
Only  in  name,  since  Christ  and  faith  in  Him 

as  the  only  way  of  salvation  are  practically 
ignored. 


4 


5.  Do  they  not  worship  Christ  ? 

They  profess  to  worship  Christ.  In  reality, 
the  people  know  little  of  Him  except  as  an  infant 
in  the  arms  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  or  as  the  dead 
Christ  they  see  on  their  crucifixes  ; not  as  a liv- 
ing, loving,  personal  Saviour. 

6.  Whom  then  do  they  worship  ? 

The  Virgin  Mary  and  the  saints. 

7.  Do  they  worship  images  ? 

Yes,  they  have  images  of  the  Virgin  and 
saints  in  their  churches  and  homes,  and  many  of 
the  people  believe  that  these  images  can  think 
and  feel  and  have  power  over  them. 

8.  Do  they  regard  these  images  as  miracle- 
workers  ? 

Yes,  persons  often  travel  long  distances  to 
pray  to  a certain  image,  although  there  may  be 
many  of  the  same  saint  in  the  place  where  they 
live  ; thus  showing  that  they  believe  there  is 
some  special  virtue  in  that  particular  image. 

9.  Have  they  not  the  same  creed  as  the  Pro- 
testant Church? 

Yes  ; but  they  define  it  to  suit  their  own 
teaching. 

10.  Have  they  not  the  same  ten  command- 
ments ? 

They  leave  out  the  second  commandment. 


5 


which  says:  “Thou  shalt  not  make  unto  thee 
any  graven  image,”  and  divide  the  tenth  com- 
mandment into  two  parts. 

11.  What  does  the  Roman  Church  teach  is  ab- 
solutely necessary  for  salvation  ? 

Baptism,  the  Sacrifice  of  the  Mass,  Penances 
and  Indulgences.  Even  the  most  devout  must, 
after  death,  remain  in  Purgatory  until  their 
friends  have  had  a number  of  masses  said  for 
their  release. 

12.  What  is  the  effect  of  such  teaching  upon 
the  people  ? 

It  has  led  the  more  intelligent  to  renounce  all 
faith  in  the  Roman  church,  and  has  made  the 
ignorant  more  superstitious  and  idolatrous. 

13.  Into  how  many  classes  may  they  be 
divided  ? 

Into  three  classes  : those  who  have  cast  off  the 
old  faith  and  have  given  themselves  up  to 
skepticism  or  indifference,  those  who  are  begin- 
ning to  learn  a better  way,  and  those  who  still 
blindly  follow  the  teachings  of  the  church. 

14.  What  alone  can  supply  the  need  of  these 
three  classes  ? 

An  open  Bible  which  teaches  that  Christ  our 
Saviour,  who  is  the  only  Mediator  between  God 
and  man,  offers  to  all  a perfect  and  free  salvation 
and  lovingly  invites  us  to  come  directly  to  Him. 


(3 


BRAZIL. 


15.  Where  is  Brazil  ? 

It  occupies  the  northeastern  part  of  South 
America. 

16.  What  is  its  size? 

It  is  as  large  as  the  United  States  not  including 
Alaska,  and  occupies  nearly  half  of  all  South 
America.  It  has  a population  of  over  14,000,000. 

17.  What  are  the  natural  characteristics  of  the 
country  ? 

It  is  divided  into  three  distinct  sections : the 
low  lands  along  the  coast  where  are  grand  har- 
bors and  large  cities,  but  a climate  generally  hot 
and  unhealthy  ; the  middle  section,  a magnifi- 
cent and  fertile  plateau,  formed  by  abrupt  moun- 
tain ranges  on  the  eastern  side,  which  slope 
gradually  to  the  interior  ; and  the  vast  and  un- 
explored forest  region  to  the  west.  The  climate 
of  the  interior  is  cool  and  healthful.  The 
northern  part  of  the  country  is  watered  by  the 
Amazon,  the  “King  of  Rivers,”  and  its  tribu- 
taries. 

18.  What  are  its  productions  ? 

A great  variety  of  tropical  fruits,  with  sugar, 
coffee,  cotton,  india-rubber,  spices,  etc.  It  also 
abounds  in  gold,  silver,  iron,  lead,  and  in  dia- 


7 


monds  and  other  precious  stones  ; its  forests  are 
rich  in  rare  and  beautiful  woods. 

19.  By  what  people  was  it  first  colonized  ? 

It  was  settled  by  the  Portuguese,  who,  in 
1500,  took  possession  of  the  country  in  the  name 
of  their  king  and  the  Pope,  and  it  remained  un- 
der Portuguese  rule  more  than  300  years. 

20.  What  language  is  spoken  ? 

The  Portuguese  language. 

21.  Did  any  of  the  Portuguese  kings  ever  rule 
in  person? 

When  Portugal  was  invaded  by  the  French  in 
1807,  Dom  John  VI  with  his  family  and  court 
went  to  Brazil.  He  improved  the  government 
and  the  condition  of  the  country,  and,  upon  the 
fall  of  Bonaparte,  raised  Brazil  to  the  rank  of 
a kingdom.  After  thirteen  years  he  returned  to 
Portugal,  leaving  his  son,  Pedro,  as  Regent. 

22.  How  long  did  Brazil  remain  a part  of  the 
Portuguese  kingdom  ? 

Only  two  years  after  Dom  John’s  return  to 
Portugal,  the  Brazilians  desired  independence, 
and  the  Regent  not  wishing  the  control  to  pass 
out  of  his  family,  declared  it  a free  and  inde- 
pendent State,  and  assumed  the  title  of  Emperor, 
as  Dom  Pedro  I. 

23.  Was  this  arrangement  satisfactory? 


8 


There  was  still  general  dissatisfaction,  so  Dom 
Pedro  I abdicated  and  left  for  Portugal  in  1831, 
and  nominated  his  young  son,  then  scarcely  six 
years  old,  as  his  successor. 

24.  How  was  the  government  then  managed  ? 

Three  regents  vrere  appointed  during  the 

young  Emperor’s  minority  : at  fifteen  years  he 
was  declared  of  age  and  crowned  the  following 
year,  1841,  as  Dom  Pedro  II. 

25.  What  was  the  character  of  his  government  ? 

Dom  Pedro  was  a wise  and  liberal  ruler.  He 

was  in  favor  of  the  gradual  emancipation  of 
slaves  and  of  religious  freedom  ; he  established 
schools  and  introduced  machinery  and  railway's, 
so  that  the  people  and  the  country  improved 
greatly  during  his  reign. 

26.  Mention  notable  events  of  recent  times  ? 

A decree  liberating  the  slaves  was  signed  May 

13,  1888,  by  the  Princess  Isabel,  as  Regent,  dur- 
ing her  father’s  sickness  and  consequent  absence 
from  the  throne.  In  the  same  year  a Bill  for 
liberty  of  worship  passed  the  Senate,  but  was 
tabled  in  the  Lower  House  through  the  influence 
of  the  Princess  and  her  party. 

27.  What  followed  this  reaction? 

The  fall,  on  November  15, 1889,  of  the  Empire, 
banishment  of  the  Imperial  famil}’-  and  the  peace- 
ful inauguration  of  the  Republic  of  the  United 


9 


States  of  Brazil,  under  a Provisional  Govern- 
ment. While  waiting  for  the  adoption  of  a Con- 
stitution a decree  was  passed,  January  7,  1890, 
declaring  that  “all  religious  denominations 
have  equally  the  right  to  liberty  of  worship.” 
This  “liberty  embraces  churches,  associations 
and  institutes.” 

MISSIONS. 

28.  How  was  the  Gospel  first  carried  into 
Brazil  ? 

In  1555  religious  teachers  and  aid  were  sent  by 
Calvin  and  his  friends  from  Geneva,  but  the 
colony  was  soon  scattered  by  persecution  ; some 
were  put  to  death,  others  fied  to  the  Indians, 
while  a few  returned  to  France. 

29.  What  Church  first  established  a mission  in 
Brazil  ? 

The  Methodist  Church  maintained  a mission  in 
Rio  de  Janeiro  from  1836  to  1840,  during  which 
time  two  missionaries  rendered  faithful  service, 
but  the  work  was  abandoned  at  the  end  of  the 
four  years. 

30.  What  was  done  by  a private  individual  be- 
fore mission  work  was  resumed  ? 

Dr.  Kalley,  a Scotch  physician,  who  came  to 
Rio  de  Janeiro  about  1855,  did  a good  work  in 
circulating  Bibles  and  tracts,  and  holding  re- 


10 


ligious  services.  His  labors  resulted  in  llie  estab- 
lishing of  two  independent  Protestant  Churches, 
one  in  Rio  de  Janeiro  and  the  other  at  Pernam- 
buco. Dr.  and  Mrs.  Kalley  also  translated  many 
English  hymns,  which  form  a large  part  of  the 
hymn-book  in  use  at  present  in  the  Protestant 
Churches  of  Brazil. 

31.  When  did  the  Presbyterian  Board  com- 
mence work  in  Brazil? 

Rev,  Mr,  Simonton  was  sent  out  in  1859  to 
Rio  de  Janeiro,  and  the  first  church  was  organ- 
ized in  1862. 

32.  In  how  many  provinces  has  the  Northern 
Presbyterian  Church  established  missions  ? 

In  seven  of  the  twenty  provinces  ; Bahia,  Ser- 
gipe,  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Sao  Paulo  and  Minas 
Gorges,  Parana  and  Rio  Grande  do  Sul. 

33.  Where  is  the  city  of  Bahia  ? 

Bahia  is  on  the  sea-coast,  700  miles  northeast 
of  Rio  de  Janeiro,  on  a bluff  overlooking  a bay 
which  forms  one  of  the  finest  harbors  in  South 
America.  It  is  the  oldest  city  of  Brazil,  and  the 
second  in  size.  It  has  a population  of  over 
200,000. 

34.  What  work  is  done  there? 

There  are  two  ordained  missionaries,  three 
ladies  and  one  native  minister,  who  is  doing  a 
good  work,  A church  has  been  organized  in 


11 


the  cit}",  and  another  at  a neighboring  town. 
Bible  instruction,  a Sunday-school,  a singing 
class  and  an  extensive  colporteur  work  are 
among  the  agencies  used  for  reaching  the 
people. 

35.  What  station  in  Sergipe? 

Larangeiras,  where  there  is  a large  church 

and  a good  school.  One  missionary  and  his 
wife  are  working  there,  and  greatly  need 
helpers. 

36.  How  is  Rio  de  Janeiro  situated  ? 

Rio  de  Janeiro,  the  capital  of  Brazil,  is  situated 
on  a large  ba}^,  which  is  justly  said  to  rival  the 
Bay  of  Naples  in  beauty.  It  has  a population  of 
400,000,  and  is  in  many  respects  like  a European 
city,  with  a large  class  of  cultivated,  intelligent, 
liberal  men,  who  are  friends  of  education  and 
progress. 

37.  What  Gospel  work  has  been  accomplished 
here  ? 

There  is  a fine  church  with  280  members, 
which  supports  its  own  pastor.  It  occupies  a 
central  position,  and  has  good  opportunities  for 
city  mission  work.  At  Riachuelo,  a suburb  of 
Rio,  a church  has  been  organized,  and  a school 
opened.  The  missionary  here  has  charge  of 
several  outlying  stations. 

38.  What  other  station  near  by? 


12 


Nova  Friburgo,  a watering-place  in  the 
mountains,  about  forty  miles  east  of  Rio. 

39.  How  is  Sao  Paulo  situated  ? 

Sao  Paulo  is  250  miles  southwest  of  Rio  de 
Janeiro,  and  50  miles  from  the  sea-coast,  a city 
of  some  125,000  inhabitants.  It  is  situated  on  a 
high  table-land,  and  in  consequence  has  a cool, 
healthful  climate.  It  is  the  capital  of  a province 
of  the  same  name,  which  is  acknowledged  to  be 
one  of  the  most  progressive  and  liberal  provinces 
of  Brazil.  It  embraces  a large  part  of  the  coffee- 
growing district. 

40.  What  seats  of  learning  are  found  in  the 
city  of  Sao  Paulo  ? 

One  of  the  two  Law  Universities  of  the  Empire 
and  the  Roman  Catholic  Theological  Seminary. 
Sao  Paulo  has  been  called  the  “Athens  of 
Brazil.” 

41.  What  educational  work  is  established  here  ? 

There  is  an  excellent  graded  school  under  the 

care  of  our  Board  of  Foreign  Missions,  with  560 
pupils.  Many  are  refused  each  year  for  lack  of 
room,  and  the  school  is  now  self-supporting. 
The  theological  students  are  also  educated  at 
this  place. 

42.  What  church  work  is  carried  on  here  ? 

A church  has  grown  up  with  over  two  hundred 
members,  with  a spacious  church  building. 


13 


This  was  the  first  church  in  Brazil  to  become 
self-supporting.  Twenty-four  churches  in  the 
province  formerly  sustained  by  the  mission  now 
support  themselves. 

43.  What  other  branch  of  work  is  there  ? 

A monthly  religious  paper,  The  Review  of 
National  Missions,  goes  into  most  of  the  pro- 
vinces of  the  Empire.  It  does  much  good  by 
urging  the  churches  to  self-support  and  evangel- 
izing effort. 

44.  Where  is  Curityba? 

It  is  the  capital  of  the  State  of  Parana,  about 
300  miles  southwest  of  Sao  Paulo.  There  are 
four  churches  in  this  province,  and  a fine  school 
at  Curityba,  which  is  filled  to  overflowing. 

45.  What  of  Minas  Ger?es  ? 

It  is  one  of  the  largest  provinces  of  Brazil, 
being  nearly  equal  in  size  to  France.  It  has  a 
clear,  bracing  climate,  and  boasts  a people 
among  the  most  energetic  and  intelligent  of  all 
Brazil.  It  embraces  the  gold  and  diamond  dis- 
trict, and  has  much  undeveloped  wealth. 

46.  What  Gospel  work  has  been  accomplished 
here  ? 

At  Caldas  and  Campanha  and  other  cities  are 
churches  under  the  care  of  native  pastors,  and 
the  work  has  spread  through  the  surrounding 
country. 


14 


47.  What  has  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church  accomplished? 

Missionaries  of  the  Southern  Presbyterian 
Church  entered  the  field  in  1868,  and  besides 
work  in  the  Provinces  of  S.  Paulo  and  Minas 
Gerses,  they  have  occupied  the  Northern  Pro- 
vinces of  Pernambuco,  Ceara  and  Maranham, 
and  extended  their  work  into  Alagas,  Parahyba, 
Rio  Grande  do  Norte  and  Piauhy. 

48.  What  important  step  was  taken  in  1888  ? 

The  missioris  of  the  Northern  and  Southern 

Presbyterians  were  united  to  form  the  Synod  of 
Brazil,  an  independent  body,  consisting  of  over 
sixty  churches.  It  has  its  Boards  of  Home  and 
Foreign  Missions,  and  the  Brazilian  Presby- 
terians are  making  great  efforts  to  support  their 
own  churches  and  carry  the  Gospel  to  their 
countrymen. 

49.  What  other  Boards  are  working  for  the 
evangelization  of  Brazil? 

The  Methodist  and  Baptist  Churches  have 
established  Missions  at  a few  points,  also  the 
Episcopal  Church. 

50.  What  word  comes  to  us  from  Brazil  ? 

The  same  that  comes  from  every  other  field  in 

South  America  ; people  are  willing  and  eager  to 
know  the  truth,  and  there  are  earnest  calls  for 
more  workers. 

51.  What  is  needed  in  Brazil? 


15 


Men  and  women  are  needed  ; but  above  all 
faithful,  expectant  prayer,  that  God  will  bless 
the  seed  already  sown,  and  consecrate  to  Him- 
self the  intellect  and  wealth  that  abound  in  that 
country. 

HOW  THEY  SAY  IT  IN  BRAZIL. 

Portuguese,  the  language  spoken  in  Brazil, 
contains  twenty-seven  letters.  There  are  slight 
differences  in  pronunciation  in  different  parts  of 
the  country,  but  no  dialects.  The  construction 
of  the  language  and  the  idioms  are  very  like  the 
French. 

Geographical  Names. 

Pronunciation. 


Bahia. 

Bah-ee-ah. 

Botucatu. 

Bo-too-ca-too. 

Brotas. 

Bro-tahs. 

Caldas. 

Kal-das. 

Cani'panha. 

Kahm-pahn-yah. 

Curityha. 

Coo-ree-tee-ba. 

Fartura. 

Par-too-ra. 

Jahu. 

Jah-hoo. 

Bar  an  geiras. 

Lah-rahn-jay-rahs. 

Novo  Friburgo. 

N6-vo-Fre-b6or-go, 

Parana. 

Pah-rah-nah. 

Bio  Janeiro. 

Ree-o  Jahn-ee-ro. 

Rio  Claro. 

Ree-o  Clar-o. 

Sdo  Paulo. 

Soun  Paw-lo. 

Santos. 

San-tus. 

Sergipe. 

Sur-gee-pee. 

Sorocabo. 

So-ro-ca-bo. 

16 


Coins  and  their  Value. 

Gonto  of  Reis  (Konto-Rays),  $500.00. 

Milreis  (Meel-rays),  about  fifty  cents. 

Pataca  (Pali-tah-cah),  16  cents. 

Tosiao  (Tus-town),  5 cents. 

Viniem  (Vin-tame),  1 cent. 

W'^eights  and  Measures. 

The  French  metrical  system  is  used. 

The  unit  of  weight  is  Tima  Gramma,  a little 
over  15  grains.  Kilo  Gramma,  usually  called 
“ Um  Kilo,”  a little  over  2 lbs.  Arroha  (Uma 
Arroba),  32  lbs. 

Metre — equal  to  1 yd.  4 inches. 

Kilo-meire — equal  to  | of  a mile. 

Distances. 

Lequa  (Leg-wah).  A league,  equal  to  four  of 
our  miles. 


Native  Words  Found  in  Missionary 
Literature. 

Pronunciation. 


Aula. 

Ovvl-ah. 

School-hours  or  s 

sions. 

Bencdo. 

Bensoun. 

Blessing. 

Bond. 

Street  Cars. 

Cafezal. 

Cah-fee-zahl. 

Coffee  plantation. 

Caixa. 

Kai-sha. 

Post-office  box. 

Cam. 

Kah-zah. 

House. 

Cereja. 

Sell-ray -jail. 

Cherry  trees. 

C liacara. 

Shah-cah-rah. 

Country  place. 

Cidade. 

See-dah-dee. 

City. 

17 


Pi'onunciation. 

Collegio.  Kol-lesli-ee-a.  School. 

Culto.  Kuhl-tu.  Religious  service. 

Fazenda.  Fah  zen-dah.  Farm  or  plantation. 
Fazendeiro.  Fali-zen-day-roo.  Planter. 
Eschola.  Eh-skol-ah.  College. 

Fegas.  Fay-gahs.  Blk  beans. 

Ferias.  Fay-ree-ahs.  Vacation. 

Mate.  Mali-tah.  Paraguy an  tea  (plant). 

Meninas.  Mee-ne-nahs.  Girls. 

Ministro.  Meeneestro.  Clergyman. 

Oracdo.  Ore-ah-s6un.  Prayer. 

Quintal.  Keen-thal.  Garden. 

Santa  BiUia.  Sabn-tah-Bee-blee-ali.  Holy  Bible. 
Semestre.  Seh-mess-tree.  Half  year  sch’l  term. 
SenhoT.  Sen-yor.  Mr.  or  Sir. 

Senliora.  Sen-yor-ah.  Mrs. 

Trolley.  Buck  board. 

Salutations. 


Bon  dia.”  Bong-dee-a.  “ Good  Morning.” 
‘‘Boa  tarde.”  Bo-a-tar-dee.  “Good  evening.” 

“ Como  estd  a senliora''  (Com-oo-es-tah  a sen- 
yor-a).  “How  do  you  do,  madam.” 

South  American  people  bow  and  shake  hands 
as  in  North  America,  only  much  oftener  and 
more  profoundly. 

St.  John,  3d  chapter,  16th  verse. 

“ Porque  de  tal  maneira  amou  Deus  ao  mundo, 
que  deu  a seu  Filho  unigenito,  para  que  todo 
aquelle  que  n'elle  ere,  ndo  pereq.a,  mas  tenha  a 
rida  eterna. 


18 


CHILE. 


1.  Where  is  Chile  ? 

Chile  stretches  along  more  than  half  the  west 
coast  of  South  America,  from  Tacna,  lat.  18°  S., 
to  Cape  Horn,  lat  56^  S. 

2.  What  is  its  size  ? 

It  is  larger  by  one-half  than  California,  and 
has  a population  of  about  2,500,000. 

3.  What  is  its  shape? 

It  is  more  than  twenty  times  as  long  as  it  is 
broad,  being  2660  miles  in  length  and  averag- 
ing 120  miles  in  breadth. 

4.  What  is  the  character  of  the  country? 

There  is  a great  diversity.  Tacna  is  a fertile 

region  near  the  tropics  ; Tarapaca  and  Atacama 
are  vast  deserts  with  rich  minerals  ; towards  the 
south  is  a fine  agricultural  district  with  timber 
lands;  along  the  southern  coast,  embracing 
part  of  Patagonia,  are  hundreds  of  small  islands; 
and  the  eastern  boundary  is  the  Cordillera  of  the 
Andes,  varying  from  two  to  four  miles  in  height. 

5.  What  of  the  climate  ? 

It  is  on  the  whole  temperate,  and  one  of  the 
most  salubrious  in  the  world  ; all  varieties  of 


19 


climate  are,  however,  to  be  found.  In  some 
portions  of  Chile  rain  never  falls  ; in  others  it 
falls  only  during  four  months  of  the  year,  while 
in  the  south  rains  are  frequent  and  there  is  much 
snow.  The  high  mountains  are  covered  with 
snow,  and  from  these  come  refreshing  breezes  in 
the  summer.  January  is  the  hottest  month, 
August  the  coolest. 

6.  What  are  the  chief  productions? 

Wheat,  copper,  hides,  wool  and  saltpetre  are 
exported  in  large  quantities.  Gold  is  found  in 
some  quarters,  and  there  are  valuable  coal 
mines  in  the  south.  It  is  now  the  wealthiest 
nation  of  its  size  in  the  world. 

7.  What  interesting  historical  associations  has 
Chile? 

A large  part  of  its  territory  once  belonged  to 
the  ancient  Incas  of  Peru  ; one  of  them  led  his 
armies  into  Chile  over  the  terrible  desert  of 
Atacama,  as  far  south  as  the  river  Maule,  which 
he  fixed  as  the  southern  boundary  of  his 
dominions. 

8.  Describe  the  famous  highway  which  ex- 
tended into  Chile  ? 

It  was  built  as  a route  of  travel  from  one  ex- 
tremity of  the  kingdom  to  the  other,  and  was 
twenty  feet  broad,  nearly  2000  miles  long,  and 
extended  from  Quito,  through  Cuzco  (then  the 


20 


capital  of  Peru),  down  into  Chile.  It  was  built 
in  many  places  of  heavy  flags  of  freestone  ; 
miles  of  the  road  were  cut  through  solid  rock  ; 
the  rivers  were  crossed  by  bridges  of  plaited 
willow,  swung  in  the  air ; precipices  were 
ascended  by  staircases  cut  in  the  rock,  and 
gullies  were  filled  up  with  solid  masonry. 
Every  flve  miles  there  were  posts  or  small 
houses,  with  runners  for  forwarding  the  Govern- 
ment dispatches. 

9.  Who  conquered  the  Incas  and  took  posses- 
sion of  the  country? 

When  Pizarro  conquered  Peru,  iilmagro,  his 
companion,  took  possession  of  Chile,  and  it  re- 
mained under  Spanish  control  about  300  years. 
After  eight  years  of  war  with  Spain,  the  inhabi- 
tants secured  their  independence  in  1818. 

10.  What  is  its  present  government? 

It  is  a Republic,  although  the  power  is  really 
in  the  hands  of  a few,  and  the  government  might 
be  termed  an  Oligarchy. 

11.  What  of  the  people? 

The  population  is  about  2,500,000.  One-flfth 
are  of  pure  Spanish  blood  ; the  rest,  with  the 
exception  of  about  10,000  Indians,  are  a mix- 
ture of  Spanish  and  Indian.  They  are  intelli- 
gent, progressive  and  brave — the  Spartans  of 
South  America.  There  are  also  many  immi- 
grants from  Europe. 


21 


12.  Are  the  morals  of  the  people  good  ? 

There  is  great  immorality.  Murders  are 

frequent.  Drunkenness  is  very  common  among 
the  masses,  and  the  habit  of  lying  is  very  preva- 
lent and  deeply  rooted.  There  are,  however, 
many  noble  exceptions  to  this  rule. 

13.  How  many  public  schools  are  there  ? 

More  than  1000.  There  are  also  a number  of 

High  Schools,  a Normal  School  and  a University, 
all  under  the  direction  of  the  government, 

14.  What  else  is  being  done  for  the  education 
of  the  people  ? 

Besides  the  schools  conducted  by  the  priests 
and  nuns  and  by  our  missionaries,  there  are 
many  private  schools,  and  in  several  of  the 
large  cities,  hundreds  of  children  receive  gratui- 
tous education  in  schools  supported  by  benevo- 
lent Chilians. 

15.  What  is  the  religious  teaching  in  these 
schools  ? 

In  the  public  schools  the  Roman  Catechism  is 
taught ; in  those  established  by  rich  men  for  the 
poor,  there  is  usually  no  religious  teaching. 
Some  of  the  private  schools  conducted  by  for- 
eigners are  opened  with  prayer,  and  give  some 
instruction  in  Bible  truths. 

16.  How  long  is  it  since  much  attention  was 
given  to  educate  the  people  ? 


22 


About  forty-five  years  ago,  Don  Domingo  F. 
Sarmiento,  of  tlie  Argentine  Republic,  gave  a 
great  impulse  to  popular  education. 

17.  Before  that  were  scbool-teacbers  much  re- 
spected? 

Ko  ; a man  who  bad  been  guilty  of  stealing  a 
silver  candlestick  from  a church,  was  punished 
by  being  obliged  “ to  serve  as  a schoolmaster  at 
Copiapo  for  three  years.”  This  happened  in 
1832. 

18.  Is  Chile  an  important  mission  field  ? 

Yes,  highly  so.  It  is  the  most  advanced  of 
all  the  South  American  Republics.  It  is  the 
most  powerful  nation  on  the  west  coast  south  of 
the  United  States.  God  in  His  Providence  has 
set  the  door  wide  open  in  Chile,  and  calls  upon 
His  people  to  enter  and  make  known  the  glad 
tidings. 


MISSIONS. 

19.  When  did  the  Presbyterian  Board  com- 
mence work  in  Chile  ? 

A mission  already  established  by  the  American 
and  Foreign  Christian  Union  was  transferred  to 
the  Presbyterian  Board  in  1873. 

20.  Which  are  the  principal  stations? 


23 


Valparaiso,  Santiago,  Concepcion,  Chilian  and 
Copiapo  are  centres  of  work  from  which  the 
whole  Republic  may  be  reached.  Besides  these 
there  are  many  outstations. 

21.  What  of  Valparaiso  ? 

It  is  the  chief  seaport  on  the  west  coast  of 
South  America.  It  is  situated  on  a large  bay, 
with  a background  of  high  mountains.  Several 
large  steamship  lines  have  their  headquarters 
here.  There  is  communication  with  Europe 
every  week  by  way  of  the  Straits  of  Magellan, 
and  with  the  United  States  three  times  a month, 
by  way  of  Panama.  The  business  portion  of  the 
city  has  a European  look.  Valparaiso  has  a 
population  of  about  120,000.  One-tenth  of  these 
are  foreigners  ; the  Germans  and  Italians  out- 
number the  Anglo-Saxons. 

22.  By  whom  was  Gospel  labor  first  under- 
taken here  ? 

More  than  forty  years  ago,  work  was  begun 
among  the  English-speaking  people  by  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Trumbull.  He  was  sent  out  by  the  Ameri- 
can and  Foreign  Christian  Union  and  the 
American  Seamen’s  Friend  Society.  He  gath- 
ered a self-supporting  congregation  and  pre- 
pared the  way  for  evangelical  work  among  the 
Chilians. 

23.  When  was  the  first  Protestant  native 
church  formed  in  Valparaiso? 


24 


In  1869,  by  the  Rev.  A.  M.  Merwin.  There 
were  only  four  members  at  first. 

24.  What  is  now  the  condition  of  that  church  ? 

It  is  in  a fiourishing  condition  with  a member- 
ship of  126.  The  Sabbath-school  is  encourag- 
ing, attendance  good,  and  contributions  of  the 
scholars  large  for  their  circumstances. 

25.  What  enterprises  have  sprung  from  this 
Chilian  Church  ? 

Two  Sabbath-schools  with  125  pupils  ; seven 
preaching  stations  in  different  parts  of  the  city  ; 
a day  school  for  both  sexes,  with  276  pupils,  an 
excellent  building  and  fine  grounds. 

A Sheltering  Home,  with  twenty  children, 
supported  partly  by  English-speaking  residents, 
but  under  the  direct  care  of  our  mission. 

A Spanish  periodical.  La  Alianza  Evanjelica, 
published  semi-monthl}^,  and  with  a circulation 
of  1400  copies  per  month. 

A society  called  “ The  Friends  of  the  Gospel,” 
with  fifty  members,  an  institution  for  beneficence 
and  the  spread  of  Christian  truth. 

26.  Where  is  Santiago  ? 

Santiago  is  situated  on  a fertile  plain,  2000  feet 
above  sea-level,  and  120  miles  inland  from  Val- 
paraiso, Avitli  which  it  is  connected  by  a railroad. 
Its  population  is  about  200,000.  It  is  a beautiful 
city  with  many  fine  buildings.  Like  Valparaiso, 


25 


it  has  street  railways,  the  telephone  and  electric 
light. 

27.  What  adds  to  the  importance  of  Santiago  ? 

It  is  the  capital  of  the  Republic,  the  seat  of 

the  University,  the  centre  of  intellectual  life,  and 
of  the  operations  of  the  Romish  clergy. 

28.  When  was  mission  work  established  here? 

In  1863  the  Rev.  X.  P.  Gilbert  gathered  a 
small  congregation  of  English  people,  and  a few 
years  later  began  work  among  the  Chilians. 
The  first  Protestant  Chilian  Church  was  formed 
there  in  1867.  It  has  now  110  members. 

29.  What  educational  work  is  carried  on  by 
our  mission  in  Santiago  ? 

There  is  a theological  seminary  and  also  the 
Instituto  Iniernadonal,  a school  of  high  grade. 
It  has  115  pupils,  40  of  whom  are  boarders. 
They  are  mostly  sons  of  influential  Chilians  and 
Germans.  This  institution  is  thoroughly  Pro- 
testant. Religious  exercises  are  held  morning 
and  evening,  and  there  is  a preaching  service 
on  Sunday  morning  and  a Bible  class  in  the 
afternoon. 

30.  What  other  work  is  done  by  our  mission- 
aries in  Santiago  ? 

One  of  them  has  charge  of  an  English-speak- 
ing congregation  of  about  100  people. 


26 


31.  What  of  Concepcion? 

Concepcion  is  in  the  southern  part,  near  one 
of  the  best  harbors  of  the  Chilian  coast,  from 
whence  large  quantities  of  wheat  are  shipped  to 
Europe.  It  has  been  called  the  Chicago  of 
Chile. 

32.  When  w’as  our  Mission  Church  organized 
here  ? 

In  1879.  The  church  is  reported  as  united  and 
prosperous,  and  gives  liberally  for  its  own  sup- 
port. 

33.  Where  is  Copiapo? 

About  400  miles  north  of  Valparaiso.  It  has 
a population  of  15,000,  tAvo  missionaries  and  six 
outstations. 

34.  What  of  its  climate? 

It  is  in  an  almost  rainless  distriet,  only  tw’O 
slight  showers  during  the  year ; but  the  heavy 
dews  supply,  in  part,  the  lack  of  rain,  and  the 
land  is  irrigated  by  open  ditches. 

35.  What  is  the  meaning  of  its  name? 

It  is  a corruption  of  the  Spanish  “ Copa  de 
Oro,”  meaning  eup  of  gold— probably  from  the 
cup-like  shape  of  the  valley  and  its  rich  mines  of 
gold  and  silver. 

36.  What  was  the  last  station  occupied? 

Chilian,  on  the  railroad,  240  miles  south  of 


27 


Santiago,  Regular  services  are  held  here  and 
in  neighboring  towns  ; there  is  a promising 
school,  and  the  people  seem  ready  to  listen  to 
the  Gospel. 

37.  Is  the  outlook  for  our  Chile  Mission  a 
hopeful  one  ? 

Very  hopeful.  The  Romish  system  is  falling 
into  discredit.  People  are  eager  to  read  Pro- 
testant books  and  tracts.  Our  missionaries  are 
respected  and  welcomed  as  preachers  of  the 
truth. 

38.  Have  churches  for  Chilians  been  formed 
by  other  missions  in  Chile? 

No  ; the  Presbyterian  is  the  only  Church  that 
attempts  organized  work  for  the  Chilians. 

39.  Are  Christians  of  other  denominations  at 
work  in  Chile  ? 

Yes  ; the  Church  of  England  has  several  con- 
gregations, at  Valparaiso,  Lota  and  other  places, 
for  the  benefit  of  the  English-speaking  people. 
The  Germans  have  three  or  four  congregations, 
mostly  in  the  south.  The  Methodists  have  estab- 
lished some  good  schools,  have  religious  services 
in  English  in  several  large  towns,  and  send  out 
itinerant  preachers. 

40.  What  message  comes  from  the  workers  in 
Chile  to  the  workers  at  home? 


28 


A plea  that  men  may  soon  he  sent  to  occupy 
important  towns  and  seaports  on  the  West  Coast, 
where  the  Gospel  in  its  fullness  has  never  been 
preached.  “As  Christian  men,”  they  say, 
“our  hearts  ache  at  the  spiritual  destitution 
which  prevails  along  the  coast.” 

The  West  Coast  of  South  America  lies  at  our 
very  doors.  It  has  long  been  neglected.  Let 
the  Church  awake  to  the  grand  opportunity  that 
now  presents  itself  for  the  introduction  of  the 
Gospel  of  Christ. 


29 


IJ.  S.  OF  COLOMBIA. 


1.  Where  is  the  U.  S.  of  Colombia? 

The  U.  S.  of  Colombia  is  situated  in  the  north- 
western part  of  South  America,  adjoining  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama. 

2.  What  was  it  formerly  called? 

New  Granada. 

3.  What  is  the  size  of  the  country  ? 

It  is  nearly  as  large  as  all  the  Eastern  and 
Middle  States  and  Dakota,  with  a population  of 
about  4,000,000. 

4.  Of  what  is  the  population  composed  ? 

About  one-half  are  Spanish,  one-third  negroes, 

and  one-sixth  Indians. 

5.  What  are  the  products  ? 

Tropical  fruits,  cotton,  sugar,  indigo,  coffee, 
etc.  It  abounds  also  in  minerals  and  precious 
metals. 

6.  What  is  the  climate  of  Colombia  ? 

Being  just  north  of  the  Equator,  the  climate  is 


30 


hot,  but  as  a large  portion  of  it  is  a plateau  of 
the  x^ncles,  the  heat  is  greatly  modified  by  the 
altitude. 

7.  What  two  cities  illustrate  this  difference? 
Cartagena,  situated  on  the  sea-coast,  is  hot, 

damp  and  unhealthy  ; while  Bogota,  8500  feet 
above  sea-level,  has  a cool,  pleasant  and  health- 
ful climate. 

8.  What  language  is  spoken  ? 

The  Spanish  language. 

9.  What  is  the  government  of  the  U.  S.  of 
Colombia? 

It  is  a Kepublic,  and  its  capital  is  Bogota, 
which  has  a population  of  about  90,000. 

10.  When  was  mission  work  commenced  ? 

The  llev.  Mr.  Pratt  began  work  in  Bogota  in 

the  summer  of  1856. 

11.  In  what  condition  did  he  find  the  people? 
Excepting  the  more  wealthy  and  refined 

families  of  Spanish  blood,  he  found  the  mass  of 
the  population  ignorant  and  degraded,  because 
of  the  long  rule  of  the  Roman  Church. 

12.  Was  he  opposed  by  the  government  ? 

No,  but  the  priests  did  all  they  could  to  hinder 

his  work,  threatening  those  who  should  attend 
Protestant  services  with  excommunication. 


31 


13.  What  work  was  commenced  ? 

Spanish  services  were  held,  a Bible  Class 
started  and  a night  school  opened. 

14.  What  interrupted  the  progress  of  the  work 
soon  after  its  commencement? 

About  1860,  civil  war  broke  out,  and.  for  a 
time  the  capital  was  held  by  the  Romish  party  ; 
afterwards  the  Liberals  came  into  power,  the 
Jesuits  were  banished,  and  the  Protestants  were 
able  to  continue  their  work. 

15.  When  was  a church  organized? 

In  1861,  with  six  members  ; it  has  now  (1894) 
a membership  of  about  one  hundred. 

16.  What  of  the  school  work? 

There  is  a flourishing  day  school,  with  a 
boarding  department  for  girls.  The  Boys’ 
School  opened  in  1890,  with  sixty-nine  pupils. 
All  are  in  Bible  Classes  and  seem  interested  in 
learning  the  Gospel  story. 

17.  What  has  Bogota  been  called  ? 

The  city  of  pianos.  These  heavy  instruments 
must  be  carried  on  men’s  shoulders  sixty  miles, 
over  rough  mountain  roads. 

18.  What  other  mission  stations  are  there  in 
Colombia  ? 

One  in  Barranquilla,  opened  1888,  the  other 
in  Medellin,  opened  1889. 


32 


19.  Where  is  Barranquilla? 

It  is  situated  on  the  northern  sea-coast,  and, 
next  to  Panama,  is  the  most  important  com- 
mercial city  on  the  Colombian  coast. 

20.  How  was  mission  work  commenced  ? 

In  1888,  two  missionaries  were  sent  to  Barran- 
quilla.  They  found  a gentleman  there  who  had 
been  carrying  on  a school  for  boys  for  eighteen 
years.  Services  were  commenced  at  once  in  a 
building  belonging  to  this  teacher,  and  from  the 
first  the  attendance  has  been  good.  Services  are 
also  held  in  other  parts  of  the  city. 

21.  When  was  a church  organized  ? 

The  Barranquilla  Church  was  organized 
January  5,  1889,  and  sixteen  members  were  re- 
ceived during  the  year. 

22.  What  other  encouraging  work  ? 

Two  Sunday-schools  are  carried  on,  a day 
school  for  girls,  and  another  for  boys. 

23.  What  can  be  said  of  Medellin? 

It  is  an  interiorcity,  situated  on  table-land,  be- 
tween the  other  stations.  It  is  the  second  city 
in  Colombia  in  importance  and  population. 

24.  What  adds  to  its  importance? 

It  contains  a government  mint,  and  is  the 
centre  of  a mining  region. 

25.  What  work  is  carried  on  here? 


33 


Regular  services  are  held,  a prosperous  school 
maintained,  and  a religious  paper  published. 

26.  Give  figures  showing  extent  of  work  at 
present  (1894)  in  Colombia. 

There  are  fourteen  missionaries,  seventeen 
native  helpers,  two  churches  and  143  communi- 
cants. The  schools  are  five,  with  312  pupils. 

How  They  Say  it  ia  Chile,  Colombia. 

The  Spanish  language  is  spoken  in  Chile  and 
Colombia. 

There  need  be  no  difficulty  in  pronouncing 
any  Spanish  word  at  sight,  if  the  following  rules 
are  observed.  Vowel  sounds  are  uniform. 

a,  as  in  far. 

e,  “ay  in  day. 

i,  “ ee  “ thee. 

o,  “ o “ note. 

u,  “ 00  “ room. 

y,  “ ee  “ thee  (same  as  i). 

u is  silent  after  cp  unless  marked  thus,  ii. 

With  the  exception  of  c,  g,  j and  q,  the  con- 
sonants are  generally  the  same  as  in  English  ; 
the  difference  between  b and  v is  not  always  ob- 
served ; c and  z before  e and  i are  like  s ; ch  is 
like  ch  in  church  ; h is  always  silent;  j,  and 
sometimes  g,  has  the  sound  gh. 


34 


LI  is  equal  to  ly  ; n is 
Gua  is  Gwa. 

like  n followed  by  y. 

The  rules  for  the  accent  are  practically  invaria- 

ble  : (1)  Words  ending 

in  a vowel  or  diphthong 

have  the  accent  on  the  penultimate. 

(2)  Words  ending  in  a consonant  have  the 
accent  on  the  last  syllable.  Where  there  is  a 
written  accent,  it  neutralizes  the  above  rules  and 
indicates  the  accented  syllable. 

Geographical  Names. 

Chile. 

Pronunciation. 

Caldera. 

Kal-day-ra. 

Chile. 

Chee-ley. 

Chilian. 

Cheel-yan. 

Concepcion. 

Con-seyp-seeown. 

Copiapo. 

Co-pee-apo. 

Quillota. 

Keel-yo-tah. 

Santiago. 

San-teea-go. 

Valparaiso. 

Val-para-ee-so. 

Colombia. 

Barranquilla. 

Bar-ran-keel-ya. 

Bogota. 

Bo-go-ta. 

Cartagena. 

Car-ta-hay-na. 

Honda 

Own  da. 

Magdalena. 

Mag-da-lay-na 

Medellin. 

May-del-j^een. 

Socorro. 

So-c6r-ro. 

Sogamoso. 

So-ga-mo-so. 

Zipaguira. 

Zee-pay-gwee-ra. 

35 


Coins  and  their  Value. 

The  currency  of  Chile  is  the  same  as  C,  t?. 
dollars  and  cents. 

Peso  (Pay- so),  one  dollar. 

Fesita  (Pay-see-ta),  20  cents. 

Real  (Ray-al),  10  cents. 

Medio  (May-dee-o),  5 cents. 

Quartillo  (Quar-teel-yo),  2^  cents. 

Centavo  (Sen-tah-vo),  1 cent. 

The  English  weights  and  the  French  metric 
system  are  used. 

Distances. 

Legua  (Lay-gwa).  A league,  3^  of  our  miles. 


Native  Words  Found  in  31issionary 
Literature. 

Pronunciation. 

Aguardienti.  A-gwar-dee-ayn-te.  Native  brand 
Alamo.  A-la-mo.  Poplar  tree. 

Alquilados.  Al-quee-la-dos.  Servants. 
Americano.  Ah-may-ree-ca-no.  American. 
Brazos.  Bra-sos.  Field  hands. 

Cdlle.  Cal-yeh.  Street. 

Colegio.  Co-lay -hio.  Higher  College  School. 
Escuela.  Es-quay-la.  School. 

Escuela  Popular.  Es-quay-la  Po-poo-lar.  Day 

school. 

Fiesta.  Fee-es-tah.  Holy  day,  feast. 

Hacienda.  Ah-se-en-dah.  Station  or  farm. 


36 


Pronunciation. 

Heraldo.  Ay-ral-do.  “Herald,”  a relig- 

ious newspaper. 

Iglesia.  Ee-glay-see-a.  Church. 

Instituto  Internacional.  In-stee-too-to.  Inter- 
na-see-o-nal.  Pligher  Academy  or  College. 


Limosna. 

Lee-mos-na. 

Alms. 

Madre. 

Mah-drey. 

Mother. 

Mantilla. 

Man-lee-ya. 

Shawl,  or  cape, 
worn  over  the  head. 

Padre. 

Pah-drey. 

Father. 

Patio. 

Paht-yo. 

Court  of  a dwelling. 

Peones. 

Pay-6wn-es. 

Peasants. 

Poncho. 

Pon-cho. 

Cloak  made  of  a 
square  of  cloth, 
with  a hole  in  the 

middle  for  the  head 
to  go  through . 

Sehor. 

Sen-yor 

Sir  or  Mr. 

Senora. 

Sen-yora. 

Mrs.  or  lady. 

Salutations. 

Buenas  Noche.  Boo-ay-na 

, No-cheli.  “Good 
night.” 

Buenas  Dias. 

Boo-ay-na-Dee-as.  “Good 

morning.” 

Gospel  of  St.  John,  3d  Chapter,  16th  verse. 

Porque  de  tal  manera  amo  Dios  al  mundo, 
que  ha  dado  a su  Hijo  Unigenito,  para  que  todo 
aquel  que  en  el  cree,  no  se  pierda,  mas  tenga  vida 
eterfia.” 


QUESTION  BOOK  SERIES 


AFRICA. 

CHINA. 

CHINESE  IN  AMERICA. 
INDIA. 

JAPAN  AND  KOREA. 

MEXICO. 

NORTH  AMERICAN  INDIANS. 
PERSIA. 

SIAM  AND  LAOS. 

SOUTH  AMERICA. 

SYRIA. 


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